Sunnybank vs Runcorn
Annual running cost comparison for Brisbane home buyers · 2025–26 data
Data updated July 2025 · Council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance
Annual running cost breakdown
| Cost component | Sunnybank | Runcorn |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $1,056 | $1,276 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $2,000 | $2,900 |
| Total annual cost | $6,399 | $7,519 |
| Distance to CBD | 12.5 km | 15.1 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Brisbane City Council 2025-26 and Brisbane City Council 2025-26. Commute uses ATO 88c/km over ABS annual kilometres by location class. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown detail
Both suburbs fall under Brisbane City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,519 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $1,056 per year from Sunnybank and $1,276 from Runcorn to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Sunnybank | Runcorn |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 4.8/10 | 5.9/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Sunnybank State School | Runcorn Heights State School |
| Nearest private school | Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School | Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Medium | High |
Runcorn has the stronger school profile at 5.9/10 versus 4.8/10 for Sunnybank (ICSEA scale, higher = better). Nearest state primaries: Sunnybank State School (Sunnybank) and Runcorn Heights State School (Runcorn).
Sunnybank carries low flood risk and medium fire risk. Runcorn has low flood risk and high fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers watching costs: Sunnybank saves $1,120 per year
- City commuters: 12.5 km to CBD vs 15.1 km
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
- Families prioritising school scores: 5.9/10
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Sunnybank or Runcorn?
Sunnybank is cheaper by $1,120 per year, or $93 per month. That covers council rates ($1,519 vs $1,519), water ($1,824 vs $1,824), commute, and home insurance. Source: SuburbCost 2025–26 data.
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How far is Sunnybank from Brisbane CBD compared to Runcorn?
Sunnybank is 12.5 km from Brisbane CBD. Runcorn is 15.1 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $1,056 and $1,276 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Sunnybank or Runcorn?
Runcorn rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 5.9/10 versus 4.8/10 for Sunnybank. The nearest state primary in Sunnybank is Sunnybank State School; in Runcorn it is Runcorn Heights State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Sunnybank versus Runcorn?
Sunnybank has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Runcorn has low flood risk and high fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Sunnybank compared to Runcorn?
Annual council rates for a house in Sunnybank are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Runcorn the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Sunnybank and $1,824 in Runcorn per year.
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Is Sunnybank or Runcorn better for families?
Runcorn scores higher on schools at 5.9/10 versus 4.8/10. Sunnybank has lower combined flood and fire risk. Those two factors point in different directions for this pair.
Individual suburb profiles
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